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Poppet
Such great knowledge you have. Can anti inflammatory supplements effect your stomach the way NSAIDs do? I have GERD and cannot take any type of NSAID and was just wondering if a supplement such as this would have the same harmful side effects? My husband swears by alfalfa which he takes daily to treat his gout and arthritis. I am just leery to try it. Thank you again!!
JoAnne
Hi JoAnne, @
Jozilla - do you mean taking the Serra Enzyme? If so, it really is hard to say as I haven't had any experience with this supplement. There are interactions and contraindications between natural medicine products, herbs and supplements exactly the same as medicines. When I studied Herbal Medicine, I had to know not only what individual herbs are prescribed for but also the pharmacology, interactions with meds, contraindications with meds and contraindications between individual and multiple herbs of over 1900 herbs that are commonly used. For example,
- Alfalfa might interfere with the way the body takes in and uses vitamin E.
- Alfalfa contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, alfalfa might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin).
One research paper I read reported this:
Kidney transplant: There is one report of a kidney transplant rejection following the three-month use of a supplement that contained alfalfa and black cohosh. This outcome is more likely due to alfalfa than black cohosh. There is some evidence that alfalfa can boost the immune system and this might make the anti-rejection drug cyclosporine less effective.
That's why I am passionate about balanced, healthy nutrition
Regards your GERD, as you know, the human body needs to maintain a healthy pH balance for optimum functioning. When the pH is unbalanced for a long period of time, conditions such as heartburn and GERD can occur. The human stomach has difficulty digesting food that is too acidic. The food that goes undigested ends up as acid waste, which causes the symptoms of GERD. Therefore it is important to know which foods will cause acid waste and which foods are safe to eat. Acidic foods to be be avoided include chocolate (now how can a woman go without her chocolate - I know I can't) citrus fruit and fruit juice, tomato sauces, vinegar-based dressings, alcohol, coffee and spicy food.
But, having GERD doesn't mean that you have to stick to a highly restrictive diet. Plenty of foods are safe. Like I mentioned, whole grain pasta, bread and rice are healthy options. Low fat dairy products such as cheese, milk and yogurt. Skinless chicken breast, fish, lean steak and eggs are all fine to eat. Fresh fruits and vegetables including apples, bananas, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, green beans, peas and potatoes are good to eat, as well. Wheat grass, barley grass,
alfalfa, parsley and certain nuts are highly alkaline and are reported to be safe to eat with GERD.
Cheers, Poppet.
Disclaimer: The information on dietary factors, foods, and beverages contained in this article does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, and interactions. It is not intended as medical advice for individual problems. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this article is expressly disclaimed. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions including the taking of supplements.
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